12 NYC Outdoor Hangouts You Should Visit This Spring

12 NYC Outdoor Hangouts You Should Visit This Spring

Budding trees, smiling shop owners, and the most glorious of all: outdoor seating — New York City is absolutely charming in spring. Whether you’re a nature lover or a shopaholic, we’ve rounded up the top outdoor hotspots across the city, so you can get out and enjoy the warm weather.

Williamsburg Boutiques, Brooklyn

Though Chelsea Market is popular for its weekend vendor scene, it’s arguable that New York’s trendiest (and best-priced) finds can be found nestled in the flea markets and thrift shops just across the East River in Williamsburg.

Image via Time Out New York

The Cloisters, Manhattan

The Met Cloisters museum in Washington Heights is home to a neighborhood of romantic, 19th Century castle ruins that are as historic as they are picturesque. It’s free and delightfully walkable, with awesome views of the Hudson River.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Botanical Garden, Brooklyn

By far the best time to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is in April or May, when the stunning cherry blossoms are in bloom. Go during the last weekend in April and you’ll even catch the annual Sakura Matsuri celebration of spring.

Image via Wikipedia

Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge, Manhattan

View the city from above while savoring fancy cocktails atop the outdoor terrace at this Writer’s Den and Poetry Garden-turned rooftop bar on Madison Ave.

Image via TheRooftopGuide.com

Astoria Park, Queens

To catch some of the best views of Manhattan, venture to Astoria, Queens and bask in the 59-acre Astoria Park.

Image via Wikipedia

The High Line, Manhattan

As you stroll from Gansevoort Street (below West 13th) to West 34th, this public park perched atop a 1930s railway is packed with things to do, from grabbing a famous ice cream sandwich at the Melt Bakery to viewing art displays in the Chelsea Market passage.

Image via NYC Parks

Smorgasburg, Brooklyn

Officially reopening for the season on April 2 and 3 in Williamsburg and Prospect Park, respectively, this outdoor food festival and flea market is famous for its hip dishes, like Vegan “Faux Gras,” and Nutella-stuffed doughnuts.

Image via Brownstoner.com

Greenbelt Park, Staten Island

More than three times the size of Central Park, Greenbelt Park‘s miles of forests, meadows, wetlands, and ponds offer an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Image via Visit Staten Island

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Queens

One of the oldest and largest outdoor beer gardens in the city, the family-style Astoria beer hall boasts cheap pitchers, authentic Czechoslovakian beef goulash and live music. It’s an all-around good time!

Image via BohemianHall.com

Flushing, Queens

Queens dwellers argue that the packed streets of downtown Flushing are New York’s real Chinatown. Whether you make the trek for scrumptious Chinese street food, gummy bubble tea, or to get to know some interesting characters, Flushing is certainly worth the subway ride.

Image via Dreamstime.com

Washington Square Park, Manhattan

Though it may be the de-facto NYU hangout, this Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is brimming with personality. This is a great place to enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely read, plus snap a few photos by the famous Washington Arch.

Image via Wikipedia

Madison Square Park, Manhattan

With our headquarters in New York’s Flatiron District, how could we forget the beautiful park right in our own backyard? Madison Square Park is delightful in every way, especially with the iconic Flatiron Building as a backdrop.

Image via Untapped Cities

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What’s your favorite thing to do when New York warms up in spring? Tell us in the comments below!